Summer Pleasures in Paris

Ice cream, swimming, stargazing, and more

The city slows down in the summer, but it doesn’t sleep. If anything, the opposite. The days stretch out and feel absolutely endless in the best possible way. I know we are all feeling sluggish with sweat in the middle of this heatwave but I’m enjoying languishing on my balcony, on every terrasse, and by any available body of water (the Canal, the Seine, a swimming pool).

Here are a few summer-specific things that are happening in Paris that you probably shouldn’t miss (and one that maybe you should):

Inside the Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature. Photo by Augusta Sagnelli.

Gelato & Guns (Sort Of)

There is a Caro Diario gelato pop-up in the courtyard of the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, which is one of the most charmingly bizarre museums in the city (my favorite museum to be precise). Taxidermy, antique weaponry, and now, strawberry sorbet served from a small stand in the courtyard that almost resembles a puppet theater. It’s the kind of juxtaposition Paris excels at. Open Tuesday-Sundays from 1-6pm.

Movies Under the Sky (and Stars)

If you’ve never done Cinéma en Plein Air at Parc de la Villette, this is the summer. Every Wednesday-Sunday night from July 23-August 17: kids' screenings at 6pm, grown-up ones at 9pm. Bring a picnic (wine yes, but no glass bottles; cheese yes, but leave your sabers at home. Seriously, no knives or sharp objects). People arrive with blankets, camp chairs, and elaborate spreads. On the docket this summer: La La Land, Barbie, Wizard of Oz, Chicago, Grease, Happy Feet, among others. You don’t even necessarily need to be comfortable watching a movie in French as most of the films are VOSTF which means they will be in their original language (mostly English) with French subtitles. Best of all, it’s free!

Brave the Seine (Or Just Toast It From Afar)

Yes, they’ve opened parts of the Seine for swimming. Yes, you might emerge with an extra limb or amphibious powers. I haven’t done it yet, I probably won’t do it, but I’m certainly watching with interest. From July 5-August 31, 2025, there will be three swimming sites (Bercy, Grenelle, and Ile Saint Louis) open to the public for Paris plages.